ITGS EE Grader
This page provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the assessment criteria for the Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS) Extended Essay (EE). By breaking down each criterion, offering practical tips, and providing annotated examples, you'll gain clarity on how your work is evaluated. Additionally, a free embedded grader is available to help you self-assess your essay efficiently.
Quick Start Checklist
Before you begin self-assessing your ITGS EE, ensure you have the following materials ready:
- Final Draft of Your Essay: Ensure it's complete and adheres to the 4,000-word limit.
- Research Question: Clearly stated and focused.
- Bibliography: Properly formatted with all sources cited.
- Appendices: Include any raw data, interview transcripts, or supplementary materials.
- Reflection Notes: Your Planning and Progress Form (RPPF) with reflections on your research process.
- Assessment Criteria: Familiarize yourself with the rubric to understand how marks are allocated.
Rubric Breakdown (Paraphrased & Plain English)
The ITGS EE is assessed based on five criteria, totaling 34 marks:
- Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 marks)
- Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)
- Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)
- Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks)
- Criterion E: Engagement (6 marks)
Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 marks)
What It Tests: This criterion evaluates how well you've defined your research question and the methods you've used to explore it.
High Performance: A clear, focused research question directly related to ITGS, with a well-justified methodology.
Medium Performance: A research question that's somewhat clear but may lack focus, with a methodology that's partially justified.
Low Performance: An unclear or unfocused research question with little to no justification of the methodology.
Common Mistakes:
- Choosing a topic that's too broad or not directly related to ITGS.
- Failing to explain why the research question is significant.
- Not detailing the methods used to gather and analyze data.
Mark Band Descriptors:
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | The research question is unclear, and the methodology is inappropriate. | Unfocused topic with no clear method of investigation. |
| 2-3 | The research question is somewhat clear, but the methodology lacks detail. | Partially focused topic with limited explanation of methods. |
| 4-6 | The research question is clear and focused, with a well-justified methodology. | Clearly defined topic with a detailed explanation of research methods. |
Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)
What It Tests: Assesses your grasp of the ITGS concepts relevant to your research question.
High Performance: Demonstrates in-depth understanding with accurate use of ITGS terminology.
Medium Performance: Shows general understanding with occasional inaccuracies in terminology.
Low Performance: Limited understanding with frequent inaccuracies.
Common Mistakes:
- Misusing ITGS terminology.
- Failing to connect the research question to ITGS concepts.
- Over-relying on sources without demonstrating personal understanding.
Mark Band Descriptors:
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | Limited understanding with frequent inaccuracies. | Misuse of ITGS terms and concepts. |
| 2-3 | General understanding with occasional inaccuracies. | Some correct use of ITGS terms but with errors. |
| 4-6 | In-depth understanding with accurate use of terminology. | Consistent and correct application of ITGS concepts. |
Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)
What It Tests: Evaluates your analysis, discussion, and evaluation of your research findings.
High Performance: Presents a logical argument with thorough analysis and evaluation.
Medium Performance: Provides some analysis but lacks depth in evaluation.
Low Performance: Descriptive with little to no analysis or evaluation.
Common Mistakes:
- Describing information without analyzing it.
- Failing to evaluate the reliability of sources.
- Not discussing the implications of findings.
Mark Band Descriptors:
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 | Descriptive with minimal analysis. | Lists information without interpretation. |
| 4-6 | Some analysis but limited evaluation. | Attempts to interpret data but lacks depth. |
| 7-9 | Good analysis with some evaluation. | Interprets data and discusses implications. |
| 10-12 | Thorough analysis and evaluation. | Provides deep insights and considers multiple perspectives. |
Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks)
What It Tests: Assesses the structure and layout of your essay.
High Performance: Well-organized with consistent formatting.
Medium Performance: Some organizational issues and inconsistent formatting.
Low Performance: Poorly organized with frequent formatting errors.
Common Mistakes:
- Inconsistent citation style.
- Lack of clear headings and subheadings.
- Poorly formatted tables and figures.
Mark Band Descriptors:
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | Poor organization and formatting. | Disorganized content with inconsistent citations. |
| 2-3 | Some organizational issues and formatting errors. | Partially structured content with occasional citation mistakes. |
| 4 | Well-organized with consistent formatting. | Clearly structured content with correct citations throughout. |
Criterion E: Engagement (6 marks)
What It Tests: Reflects on your learning process and engagement with the research.
High Performance: Demonstrates deep reflection and insight into the research process.
Medium Performance: Shows some reflection but lacks depth.
Low Performance: Minimal reflection with little insight.
Common Mistakes:
- Providing a narrative of events without reflection.
- Failing to discuss challenges and how they were addressed.
- Not considering the impact of the research on personal growth.
Mark Band Descriptors:
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | Minimal reflection with little insight. | Superficial comments on the research process. |
| 2-3 | Some reflection but lacks depth. | Discusses challenges but without deep insight. |
| 4-6 | Deep reflection and insight into the research process. | Thoughtful analysis of learning experiences and personal growth. |
How to Interpret Your Grade from the Tool
The embedded grader provides a score based on the assessment criteria. Here's how to interpret your results:
- 27-34 Marks (Grade A): Excellent performance.
- 21-26 Marks (Grade B): Good performance.
- 14-20 Marks (Grade C): Satisfactory performance.
- 7-13 Marks (Grade D): Mediocre performance.
- 0-6 Marks (Grade E): Elementary performance.
If You're Between Bands or Uncertain:
- Review Feedback: Focus on criteria where you scored lower.
- Seek Clarification: